Bus Stop violator fines up to $500,000 (school, transportation, cars)

[sedimenjerry]

Originally Posted by MattCW

That's only when the bus is stopped. They basically drive around with their amber flashers running a lot of times, and they activate the reds almost instantly after stopping. Someone legally passing a moving bus could easily get caught up in this

They said that about 30% (or something like that) aren't issued citations because it's a bit of a gray area. They at least seem to only cite those with conclusive evidence

[ElleKaye]

I don't know anyone who has admitted to driving from behind and around a school bus when the stop signal was extended. I do know some people (from NYC specifically) who were not clear that the traffic on the opposite side of a four lane street had to stop as well.


I find the bus drivers here come to a full stop before putting out the sign so it's not a surprise what's about to happen next. There's ample time to pass if you can get it done before the sign. It's not they are going to put out a fire so pump the brakes.

[sedimenjerry]

Originally Posted by ElleKaye

I don't know anyone who has admitted to driving from behind and around a school bus when the stop signal was extended. I do know some people (from NYC specifically) who were not clear that the traffic on the opposite side of a four lane street had to stop as well.


I find the bus drivers here come to a full stop before putting out the sign so it's not a surprise what's about to happen next. There's ample time to pass if you can get it done before the sign. It's not they are going to put out a fire so pump the brakes.

It's pretty similar to a yellow light turning into a red. You know it's gonna happen. But with the buses you don't have as good a feel for when the lights turn red. I've seen some where the stop sign seems to come out late like the bus driver holds for a second to let cars pass. I've seen some come out pretty quickly. I actually haven't driven around a school bus in awhile. My morning commute is after middle school gets in and my afternoon commute is well after they're home.

[Lyndarn]

Originally Posted by DONNIEANDDONNA417

They need to do something because the fines are not working...

Why not make it a moving violation..which should directly AFFECT their liability Insurance costs...Course those /c $$$ and no brains don't seem to care...But take away their ability to drive/Insurance refusals..just may mend their ways...because driving without Insurance is serious..and driving with out a licence is a serious...Course given mentality of those with $$$ They don't care!!

This area described..is obviously affluent..or this over half million fines would have made a difference..New charges and consequences need to be applied!!

[cqholt]

Drivers have the due diligence to anticipate the school bus stop sign and therefore should prepare to stop and not try and speed around the bus.

[SAAN]

Jail is not the answer to everything in this country!!! If its not stopping the use of drugs, murders, or drunk driving it wont stop people who dont stop for school buses either.

[ElleKaye]

Originally Posted by sedimenjerry

It's pretty similar to a yellow light turning into a red. You know it's gonna happen. But with the buses you don't have as good a feel for when the lights turn red. I've seen some where the stop sign seems to come out late like the bus driver holds for a second to let cars pass. I've seen some come out pretty quickly. I actually haven't driven around a school bus in awhile. My morning commute is after middle school gets in and my afternoon commute is well after they're home.

I agree that it's similar to a yellow light without the reliability. In my experience, the buses do come to a full stop and pause before putting out the sign. It's not like they rocket launch the children off the children off the bus after the stop either though.


You just have to be careful stopped sign out bus or not. My father always taught me that if one child breaks out running across the street even during regular play time then there will likely be another to follow. Just be cautious.

[sedimenjerry]

Originally Posted by ElleKaye

I agree that it's similar to a yellow light without the reliability. In my experience, the buses do come to a full stop and pause before putting out the sign. It's not like they rocket launch the children off the children off the bus after the stop either though.


You just have to be careful stopped sign out bus or not. My father always taught me that if one child breaks out running across the street even during regular play time then there will likely be another to follow. Just be cautious.

Rocket launch, what a sight that would be!

Yes, especially elementary school. It's amazing seeing how oblivious smaller children are at their surroundings. For high schoolers I'm more worried about the drivers...

[ATLvpm]

Even if a bus is stopped but doesn't have the sign out, why would anyone try to pass it anyway? Just chill for a minute, until it's safe to go, geez. School buses come around the same time every week day. If you are in such a hurry, avoid the time you were stopped by a bus before. Even better, stay off the road all together.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by SAAN

Jail is not the answer to everything in this country!!! If its not stopping the use of drugs, murders, or drunk driving it wont stop people who dont stop for school buses either.

Use of drugs and putting kids lives at danger are 2 different things. Which is why I suggest taking away their DL, that will really hurt them as those people who are so selfish to past a red flashing school bus, will now have to rely on transit or carpooling.